10 Health And Beauty Secrets From Around The World

How do Filipinos get such shiny hair? What do Indians do to lose weight and how do Egyptians have such soft skin? If you’ve ever wondered what a certain culture’s secret to health or beauty is, than this guide is for you. To live healthier and to look even more beautiful, follow these tips from around the world.

Tip 1: Aloe Makes Hair Shine – Philippines

In order to achieve a smooth, glossy shine, Filipinos massage fresh aloe into their hair. If you have an aloe plant, break off one of the leaves and squeeze out all of the juice and rub it into your scalp and hair. Rinse afterward.

If you don’t have an aloe plant, try a remedy that the Italians use. They combine one teaspoon of olive oil and one cup of yogurt to keep their hair shiny and healthy. They also use a mask of egg whites to protect their hair from the harsh heat of the sun. Greeks use rosemary water to keep their hair shiny and people in Singapore use coconut oil to keep their hair smooth and frizz-free.

Tip 2: Grape Paste Keeps Your Skin Glowing – Chile

Chileans know that the antioxidants in grapes can do wonders for the skin. They use this knowledge to their advantage by making a paste of crushed grapes and two tablespoons of white flour. The leave the paste on for 10 minutes and wash it off with soap and water.

Another treatment that’s full of antioxidants is rice water, which the Chinese use for their skin. Just soak a bag of Chinese rice in a bottle of water for 10 minutes, then drain the rice from the water. Soak a washcloth in the liquid and leave it on your face for another 10 minutes. If you do this consistently, your skin should be radiant in no time.

Tip 3: Garlic Strengthens Nails – Dominican Republic

If you have paper-thin nails that constantly break or tear, take a note from the Dominicans. They add fresh garlic to their nail polish to prevent their nails from becoming brittle. This concoction works best after stewing for a week to 10 days, and if you’re worried about whether your nails will smell, know that the smell will dissipate.

If you want to try something less smelly, soak your fingers in a mixture of olive oil and vitamin Aoil, like the Romanians do.

Tip 4: Bathing In Milk Can Keep Your Skin Soft – Egypt

Cleopatra started the trend of bathing in milk and it’s still used in Egypt today. Milk can help women wash away dead skin cells as well as soften skin and leave it feeling smooth and silky. If you want to take a bath fit for a queen, add two cups of powdered milk to your bath.

Tip 5: Yarrow Extract Can Prevent Stretch Marks – Australia

There are many creams and lotions that claim to diminish the look of stretch marks, or erase them completely. But the majority of them don’t really work. Once the skin has ripped, there’s no magical cream that can repair it. The only way to avoid stretch marks is to prevent them and Australian Aborigines may have discovered the secret to doing just that – yarrow root extract. Yarrow root has anti-inflammatory properties and keeps skin hydrated, which is the key to preventing stretch marks. Some creams do contain yarrow root as a key ingredient, but if you prefer, rub a few drops of pure yarrow extract oil on the area you wish to protect.

Tip 6: Yoga Can Help You Lose Weight – India

Yoga is a great way to clear your mind and relieve stress. But Indians commonly use yoga as a weight-loss remedy because it speeds up your metabolism. Nordic walking is also good exercise and is a great way to keep trim. Nordic walking involves the use of walking poles for balance and works the arms, shoulders and torso. It’s a common exercise in Sweden and Finland.

Tip 7: Naps Are The Key To Energy – Japan

The Japanese often take naps during the day as a way to recharge their batteries. Studies show that a 30-minute power nap can reduce your risk of heart disease as well as help you feel refreshed. The Greeks and the Spanish also take siestas during the day, particularly after lunch, to help with digestion.

Tip 8: Eating Nuts Can Keep You Healthy – Gambia

Citizens of this African country are said to have the lowest incidences of cancer and weight problems. What’s Gambia’s secret? Nuts, and lots of them. Nuts are one of the main sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are full of vitamin E and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Although nuts contain a lot of fat, ironically, people who eat a lot of them tend to be thinner than those who don’t.

The Golden Root, or Arctic Root, is used to treat a plethora of problems. Studies show that Golden Root can improve mood and endurance while decreasing stress and fatigue levels. Golden Root is also used to fight infections and other common ailments such as altitude sickness. If you want to boost your mood or fight off a cold, pick up this herb at a natural food store and brew it in a pot of tea.

Tip 10: Don’t Eat Until You’re Full – Japan

Stuffing your stomach makes you feel bloated and of course, overeating leads to weight gain. So do what the Japanese do and eat until you’re only 80 percent full. This Japanese practice is called hachi bu, and the key is to eat slowly and savor each bite so you don’t overeat. Even if you don’t feel full, your stomach probably is because it takes a full 20 minutes for your brain to register that you’ve eaten enough. This will also get you into the habit of properly chewing your food, which is very important.